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Wynmouth #3

Best Summer Ever

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A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.

400 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2025

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About the author

Heidi Swain

33 books1,248 followers
Although passionate about writing from an early age, Heidi Swain gained a degree in Literature, flirted briefly with a newspaper career, married and had two children before she finally plucked up the courage to join a creative writing class and take her literary ambitions seriously.

A lover of Galaxy bars, vintage paraphernalia and the odd bottle of fizz, she now writes contemporary fiction and enjoys the company of a whole host of feisty female characters.

Heidi can be found at the keyboard at all hours of the day and night and quite often scribbling longhand in her car during her lunch break. She lives in stunning south Norfolk with her wonderful son and daughter and a mischievous cat called Storm.

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5 stars
716 (44%)
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555 (34%)
3 stars
258 (16%)
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50 (3%)
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17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,392 reviews142 followers
March 25, 2025
I received a free copy of, Best Summer Ever, by Heidi Swain, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Daisy is back home in Wynmouth. She left her job and cheating man behind. Daisy finds sometimes yo can go home again, though there was a lot of drama at home too. This was a lovely read, I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Sharon Goodwin.
876 reviews147 followers
April 24, 2025
Best Summer Ever by Heidi Swain is an absolute delight from start to finish! Once again, this author has crafted a heartwarming story filled with community spirit, endearing characters, and just the right balance of humour, romance, and emotional depth.

Daisy has never quite found her place in life—whether in work, relationships, or even within her own family. Returning home to Wynmouth after leaving both a job and a fiancé (for very good reason, even if she doesn’t share it right away), she hopes to reset. But slipping back into life at Wynbrook Manor isn’t easy. Her parents are under immense pressure, and despite her best intentions, Daisy only seems to make things worse at first. The tension, particularly with her dad, adds a layer of intrigue, which kept me guessing.

Daisy’s impulsiveness adds to the charm, and her relationship with Algy, who’s like a grandfather to her, is particularly touching.

And then there’s Josh—the ‘young American’ who keeps turning up in the most unexpected places (I found the beach hut scene funny!). Their banter is full of sparks, and their growing connection feels natural and unforced. His reluctance to visit one place in particular had me guessing why …

The pub is a key setting. It’s a hub of warmth, laughter, and community, with characters of all ages coming together—Josh and elderly George making music together was such a lovely touch.

Beyond the romance, the novel delves into deeper themes: Algy’s struggle with depression, Daisy’s realisation of just how controlling her ex was, and the second chances that come not just for Daisy but for so many others—her dad, Algy, Josh, even Penny and Nick.

I love when a story makes me happy cry, especially when it’s not just because of the end. There was one moment in the book where I couldn’t see through my tears. That’s always a sign of a story that truly connects isn’t it! And that’s the magic of Heidi Swain, her writing inspires you to believe in fresh starts, in the power of family and community, and in the idea that happiness is always within reach. As I was reading, I felt uplifted and energised – the best kind of self-care in my opinion. I urge you to try it!

With a fabulous setting, perfect pace and wonderful characters, Best Summer Ever is a book you’ll want to read again (and again!).
142 reviews3 followers
March 1, 2025
I have read all of Heidi Swains previous novels and I'm sad to say that I may have run my course with this author, as the last few I havent enjoyed as much as the earlier ones. This one I pretty much knew from page two what was going to happen and whilst you dont expect shocks from Swain it was all a bit too predicatable. I also found that I really didnt like some of the characters. Daisy the main character was a very immature 28 year old, her parents were interfering and her best friend Penny was a closet mean girl! I liked the setting of Wymouth and all the garden references were very picturesque. All in all this is a nice story but I think I have read this many times over from Swain now.
5 reviews
September 9, 2025
It started out well and seemed like it might be a good book then less than half way through it became lame. Lame. Lame. The lamest dialogue and the series of events were very very very predictable. It was the furthest from realistic. Series of events were soooooo underwhelming. The amount of times the AMERICAN josh said crickey was so annoying. I had to skim through the last four chapters just to finish the book. I needed to know how this ends. If i could put a 0.25 star, I would have.
Profile Image for Renske.
458 reviews2 followers
June 21, 2025
I liked this one a lot more than the Christmas one. I loved that we saw some familiar faces from book 1. This story kept me entertained a lot more than the second as well. So all in all a better book in this series.
Profile Image for Janice.
271 reviews5 followers
July 21, 2025
Another enjoyable Summer read, just enough drama to keep the story moving and realistic, likeable characters
Profile Image for Karen.
1,027 reviews578 followers
April 24, 2025
This latest book, a milestone 20th, returns to the fictional coastal village of Wynmouth, a setting for previous books. After finding her boyfriend in a compromising position, Daisy, homeless and jobless makes her way to Wynbrook Manor, the estate where her parents live and work. Daisy has kept her distance ever since a falling out and now that she has left a boyfriend that her parents were very fond of, she is not guaranteed a warm welcome. For some reason Daisy did not want to reveal the truth behind her split from her awful boyfriend Laurence, which regrettably gave her parents more opportunity to extol his virtues and assume that she was the one in the wrong.

This was a superb read that gave all those summer beach vibes. Daisy blags a part time job at the local pub but her reliability leaves a lot to be desired and it doesn’t go well. This is where I initially thought Daisy’s immaturity a little annoying. At 28 going on 18, she was one of life’s drifters, being unable to stick at any job and she needed a metaphorical kick up the backside to sort her life out. Fortunately other characters surrounding her, especially her friends Nick (who also worked at the Manor) and teacher Penny made up for Daisy’s lack of commitment. In fairness, Daisy did redeem herself – she was a good friend who stepped in when help was needed.

Add Josh, a good looking but troubled American into the mix and this becomes a perfect summer romance read. Algernon (Algy) Alford, the elderly owner of the Manor has a kindly, if rather chaotic approach and it is whilst at the Manor that Daisy realises her real calling.

It’s not just Daisy who finds romance within these pages and with its background themes of family relationships. reconciliation and discovering what you really want from life, I was thoroughly invested in the drama and difficult situations these folk faced. The Norfolk coastal setting was glorious and suited the story and the characters perfectly. An excellent lighthearted and feel good read written with Heidi’s trademark warmth and humour – definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey.
1,558 reviews74 followers
April 22, 2025
4.5 stars
It’s wonderful to be back in Wynbridge again. I always feel it’s like coming home when you read the first few pages of a new Heidi Swain book.
Full of emotional highs and lows, Daisy and Josh take us on an rollercoaster of feelings as they get to know one another and the community.
I loved the sound of the cut flower garden and the grounds in the Manor. The ‘secret garden’ memories and idea so beautiful. As always Heidi has described a gorgeous setting with the Manor and its gardens and I was very envious of Daisy and her family having the chance to spend their days there.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,589 reviews47 followers
April 22, 2025
When Daisy heads back to Wynmouth to live with her parents again after finding her partner in a compromising situation, she almost literally bumps into handsome American tourist Josh. After another few amusing meetings, the spark between them is well and truly ignited and a hot summer romance beckons.

It was just as well that Daisy had somewhere – or rather someone – to escape to, as things were rather tense in the family home! I could quite understand how difficult it was both for Daisy and her parents to have her back at home. She was frustrated that they seemed to treat her like a teenager again and is all too aware that having left her partner and yet another job is a disappointment to them. On the other hand, sometimes she did behave in rather an immature way and her parents were probably just concerned about her.

I really liked the character of Algy who was almost like a surrogate grandfather to Daisy. They were obviously so fond of each and he really seemed to understand Daisy. He owns Wynbrook Manor where both Daisy’s parents work but the upkeep was starting to become a struggle. particularly in regards to the gardens. I loved reading about the cut-flower garden and how that developed.

Heidi Swain has a few surprises up her sleeve for her characters and her readers. I did guess one of these but it didn’t spoil the story at all. On the contrary, it was rather satisfying reading along as the narrative built to the reveal!

There’s a lovely theme about second chances in this book and we see through Daisy, her dad and several characters that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Best Summer Ever is a light-hearted and uplifting read, perfect for relaxing with on holiday or in the garden. Will warm your heart like sunshine on a summer’s day!
Profile Image for Ritu Bhathal.
Author 7 books157 followers
February 23, 2025
If you're looking for a feel good, light summer read, then you won't go wrong with a Heidi Swain story, and Best Summer Ever is a great choice.
Daisy is back home after a breakup with her cheating partner. She's looking forward to a chance to reset her batteries, but not looking forward to the grilling she'll get from her parents, having lost yet another job, and now the boyfriend they thought was the bees knees.
Before even getting home, she encounters Josh, a rather hot American tourist, several times in increasingly embarrassing situations as she reaches the Norfolk village of Wynmouth, near her childhood home.
What follows is a series of events that eventually brings Daisy back to the job she always dreamed of, but was advised against, as well as a summer fling that may be so much more.
Wynbrook Manor, the only home Daisy has ever known, is wonderfully picturesque. Its owner, Algy, is a wonderful character. He is Daisy's surrogate grandfather, who only wants the best for her and hides his own grief.
Daisy has a wonderful cast of side characters of her childhood friends, too, who help to carry the story along, as well as a little drama of their own to add a little more flavour.
There are (not so) little secrets that all come together to a very satisfying ending,
And I cannot forget little Luna the cat who has her own starring role!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster for an ARC.
Profile Image for Chloe Rebecca.
585 reviews10 followers
September 27, 2025
I usually really, really love Heidi’s books, and I actually read Underneath the Christmas Tree last Christmas (which is in the same world of Wynmouth) and it was one of my favourites of hers!

But I just didn’t love this one and I hate to say it!!!!! 🥲 it was Daisy for me. I just couldn’t like her no matter how hard I tried. I really thought she was an incredibly selfish, whiny, immature character and because of that, I just found myself not caring for the book. Her relationship with her parents, who I also didn’t particularly like, was akin to that of a teenager/parent relationship, which I feel says it’s all about Daisy’s character.

I did like Josh, and I was intrigued about Algy and his past too. The setting of the book was gorgeous and Heidi’s descriptions were beautiful 😍 her books also make me wish I lived there and this one was no different!!

I just didn’t like Daisy and it’s so hard when you don’t like the main character 🥲 I would have preferred if the book had been about Penny, Daisy’s best friend 🙊

Oh well, we can’t love them all. I’m still a massive Heidi Swain fan and I’ve got three of her Christmas books waiting patiently on my shelf for when the festive season begins 🎄
Profile Image for Mitsy_Reads.
668 reviews
May 14, 2025
If I may recommend any closed-door romance book for summer, it’s this one because it has a great balance of plot, twist, humour, summery setting and emotional depth!

This is my first by the author who’s an established novelist, and so glad it didn’t disappoint 😍 I will read more by her especially ones in this series set in a small seaside town (but this can be read as standalone).

Not only the romance is great, there are some lovely subplots, too. Daisy’s relationship with an elderly friend, Algy, is just beautiful and my favourite part of the book. And Daisy’s strained relationship with her dad is heartaching and made me reay connect with her. I just really enjoyed everything going on in this book.

I paired this with audiobook which is very easy to listened to, even at x1.6 speed. The romance is closed door, so safe to listen to it in public or when driving 😂 Highly recommend the audio too!

4.5-5 / 5 🌟


Profile Image for Sue Plant.
2,423 reviews37 followers
June 19, 2025
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book

daisy's world was rocked the day she caught her boyfriend in the act with another woman and she knew in her heart of hearts it was over between them... it had been for a while but this was the end

so she did what she did best and went home.... her parents though wouldnt be happy with her and they loved lawrence but she just couldnt tell them the reason why she had left him or for that matter why she had also left her job... one of many

it also didnt help that someone walked right in front of her car but it was tourist season so anything could happen

daisy could only hope that something would happen to ease her journey and her parents wouldnt be let down again by herself....

daisy summer was about to get interesting in so many ways.....

have to say i loved how easy i fell into this book and loved all the characters.... if only.....

will be keeping an eye out for more books by this author
Profile Image for Karen Barber.
3,360 reviews80 followers
September 6, 2025
From the first few chapters it was clear where we were headed with this, but it didn’t stop me finding the book an entertaining diversion.
When Daisy finds her boyfriend sleeping with a colleague she isn’t that upset. After all, she’s renowned for walking away from things after a while. She takes the opportunity to return to her hometown of Wynmouth, though isn’t looking forward to living with her parents again. There is a frosty atmosphere between them at the start, which doesn’t really make sense.
Later in the book we come to understand their initial behaviour. At this point Daisy has started a fling with the handsome American tourist she nearly ran over on her first day back. Josh has his own reasons for being in Wynmouth, which are pretty obvious from early on.
This book was packed with characters who would infuriate you in real life. On the page they tick along, entertaining us with their interactions.
Profile Image for Karen Knight.
212 reviews
February 2, 2025
Daisy returns to her family home after a break up with her boyfriend after she caught him cheating on her. She thinks time with her parents by the sea will help her decide what to do next and spend the summer by the sea catching up with old friends.

She gets herself a job in the pub to tide herself over but Daisy has had a very varied work history so will she stick at this one or find her dream job somewhere else?

She bumps into an American tourist and thinks he will be a welcome distraction, a summer fling. Is he who he says he is or is keeping a secret and will Daisy be able to get over things from her past and move on?

I loved this book, it had been a while since I had read a book by this author but it was like meeting up with old friends and got me out of a reading slump. Will now have to go back and read the books I have missed.

Thank you to the publishers for the advance copy of this book.
318 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2025
What a lovely fine this was!
Set in a beautiful area, with wonderful characters and blooming friendships, what more could you want?

Daisy arrives back at her childhood home, partner and jobless, worried what her parents will think. What follows is a tale of her summer in her hometown, reacquainting herself with old friends and new ones.

I loved how the characters developed throughout and you really do come to care for them (well most of them!)
The settings are described perfectly and when are love interests aren’t quite getting along, it isn’t drawn out with lots of miscommunication etc, which is a pleasant change.

This is definitely one that’s hard to put down and you will want to just stay with these characters until the book ends (and beyond really!)

All in all a really nicely written book, with great dynamic between all the characters and a beautiful setting.

Profile Image for Ellen Abrahams.
192 reviews
June 1, 2025
Another trip to the beautiful village of Wynmouth and new character Daisy, who mets the lovely American Josh. Daisy moves back to her childhood home where her parents live and work at Wynbrook Manor, which is where another great storyline unfolds. Hope we have more books in the future which bring us back here to Wynmouth.
121 reviews
July 13, 2025
Another brilliant book by Heidi!
Love the Wynmouth series and setting 😍
Can’t wait for the next one!
The characters are so relatable and most of them loveable 🥰
Some even detestable (meant to be 🤭) you want to punch their nose! 🥊
Keep writing Wynmouth Heidi! ❤️
Profile Image for Helen Kuhn.
106 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2025
4.5 🌟
It was a lovely summer holiday read of love and secrets. A beautiful story with well crafted characters that felt just like friends.
Profile Image for Sarah B.
74 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2025
Sadly I had to DNF with 1/4 left of the book. I’ve been a big fan of Heidi’s books for years, reading all of her books and always finding them so comforting. But the last three summer books I have not enjoyed at all.
Profile Image for Anna-Marie.
175 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2025
A very summery themed book, set by the seaside and amidst an old estate too for that countryside/nature vibe. Not the most light hearted read ever with some family issues as a main theme throughout and some previous relationship problems too. That being said, thoroughly enjoyed the development of the story (along with the involvement of the little cat!).
12 reviews
July 27, 2025
It was a good enough read but pretty poor in many places. The dialogue was utterly bizarre at times and felt completely unnatural. Characterisations would change drastically within a couple of pages. I also struggled to like the main character who was just completely selfish throughout. Plot was predictable from early on in a frustrating way.
Profile Image for Michelle.
696 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2025
Daisy returns home to Wynmouth after the break up of her relationship with Laurence.
Her parents look after Wynbrook Manor and live on site. Algy, the owner, has always been like a grandad to Daisy. Soon, Daisy is falling out with her parents, but Algy offers Daisy the perfect job, getting her out from under their feet.
Josh is an American tourist who is hanging out for the summer. The sparks are flying when they quite literally bump into each other. But Josh has a secret. Will Daisy forgive him when she finds out?
This was an absolutely delightful read.
I loved the setting. Who wouldn't want to live by the sea? The gardens in the Manor sounded like heaven. All those lovely plants and flowers, not to mention the scent. I could definitely smell them.
Well, Heidi has definitely hit the ball out of the park with this brilliant read.
I couldn't help feeling that this open ended so we could return in the future. I certainly hope so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews